The main symptoms of depression can vary widely from individual to individual, and not everybody will experience every symptom. They can also vary in severity and may come and go over a period of months. Depression can cause a whole range of physical, mental and emotional symptoms; in this article we will look at some of the main indicators of depression.

The Psychological Symptoms of Depression

One of the main symptoms of depression is a continual feeling of sadness which doesn’t go away. You may find yourself crying often for no particular reason.

You may also feel that there is no hope and nothing in your life to look forward to. You could lose all interest and enjoyment in your life. Many people with depression report a feeling of numbness or emptiness.

You may feel anxious for no particular reason, and find yourself worrying out of all proportion over every day occurrences.

You might even consider suicide as ‘the only way out’, or generally believe that your family would be better off without you. Some people with depression are tempted to self harm; this generally takes the form of cutting at the skin with a blade such as a razor blade to draw blood.

You could experience loss of patience with other people or situations, and find yourself becoming more irritable.

Decisions may become harder for you to make decisions, even simple day to day ones which caused you no difficulty before.

Your self esteem may suffer, and you could experience guilt when it is not appropriate.

You might find yourself withdrawing from your family or social situations, and find it difficult to interact with others.

The Physical Symptoms of Depression

You might find that your sleeping pattern is disturbed. Some people with depression find it difficult to sleep, whereas others tend to sleep much more.

Changes in your appetite may occur; people with depression often lose their appetite, or sometimes overeat in an attempt to deal with the feelings.

People with depression may find that they rely more on alcohol or smoke more.

You may find that your life slows down; you may move, think or talk much slower then usual.

People with depression often experience unexplained aches and pains, which can sometimes cause them to feel that there is something seriously wrong with them.

The symptoms of depression can come on quite slowly, and sufferers are not always aware of them unless it is pointed out to them or they start to have a significant impact on their lives. If you have identified with some of these symptoms, and have experienced them for more than a few weeks, you should see your doctor for advice.